A Shilton Birthday.

Out of all the places i've visited whilst living in England, Shilton is one that feels immediately close to home. Yet, that said, it feels more distinctly English than anywhere i've been as well, as this is a funny thing to reconcile. The cottage is cozy, with stone floors and a fireplace, a garden with a stream running through it, and a pub right across the street which always seems to be filled with locals. This weekend was a dear friend's birthday, and in the 24 hours that we were all in Shilton, we crammed in drinks in the pub, a huge feast for 12 around an old creaky wooden dining room table, dancing and marshmallows roasted over a fire, a walk to a 13th century church, scrabble in the garden, a nap on the lawn under a duvet, a picnic in the ruins of a manor home, and croquet. Not too shabby.

A Country Jaunt.

I always debate whether or not it's worth it to go on short jaunts out of london. Beforehand it always seems like a hassle to travel on trains and buses for a little bit of fresh air, but i can never resist, and it's always worth it. I'm not sure why i always put up a fight in my own head. This trip was no different. A trip that lasted 24 hours and was worth every minute. I decided to bring along my camera because i'd been missing taking pictures lately and snapped almost 200. There was lots to capture. Venison pie for thirteen, champagne cocktails, a walk over streams and through fields, and all around cozy.

Shilton, pt. III, the food.

Whenever this group of friends gets together we cook. And we don't just kind of cook. We make feasts. Four days in Shilton called for many many feasts to be made. Feasts for breakfast, picnics for lunch, feasts for dinner, and lots of wine and beer in between.